Senators to discuss possible transfer of ailing president’s powers

The Senate’s Commission for Constitutional Affairs will meet on Tuesday to debate the possibility of transferring the powers of President Miloš Zeman, who is seriously ill and presently unable to fulfil his duties, to the prime minister and the two chambers of Parliament. Senators will later discuss the matter with the leaders of the newly-elected parties to the Chamber of Deputies. Activating Article 66 to open the way for a transfer of powers would require consent from both chambers. Under the article in question Mr. Zeman would officially remain head of state and could take up his duties once his health allows.

Senate chair Miloš Vystrčil on Monday cited a report from Mr. Zeman’s chief physician, which states that President Miloš Zeman is not able to fulfil his presidential duties and the long-term prognosis is highly uncertain. The president remains in intensive care at Prague’s Central Military Hospitals with an unspecified chronic condition.